Our Favorite Products of 2022
As we wrap up 2022 we wanted to take a look back at the year and highlight a few of our favorite products. The bike industry is known for coming out with all sorts of new tech and gadgets each year, and it can be hard to tell if something is gimmicky or provides a noticeable improvement to your riding experience. We've put together this list of our favorite products that we've ridden and loved for you so you don't have to second guess your purchase.
Lake MX238 Shoes
"I use these shoes on every single ride and love the way they fit my feet. Thanks to high end materials like leather, dual BOA’s, and a carbon sole, they provide all day comfort for whatever MTB adventure you want to do with unmatched durability. And they’re the perfect fit for my wide feet."
-Rich Sherman
XLAB Gear Box Kit
"My favorite item of 2022 was the XLAB Gear Box Kit. I despise digging in a seat bag for my flat kit and the Gear Box just zips open for easy access to tools, tube, and CO2. Plus it fits in a standard water bottle cage."
-Mike Bieber
7Mesh Horizon Jersey
"7Mesh was founded in 2013 by two former Arc'teryx employees after seeing the advancements in technical outdoor gear while simultaneously watching cycling gear fall behind. This Squamish, British Columbia brand uses the Whistler mountains as their apparel testing grounds. 7mesh uses premium materials, innovative shaping and advanced construction methods to make clothing they say, "Shouldn't call attention to itself".
One of my personal favorite 7mesh pieces is the Horizon jersey. This is my go-to jersey for long road or gravel rides. 7mesh's signature Anything pocket has 5 pockets which allow me to comfortably carry an extra layer of clothing and ample food to keep me going from sunup to sun down."
-Ryan Horkey
Thule RoundTrip Bike Duffel
"It is so much better than that smelly locker room duffel. There is spot for all your cool bike gear. A lifesaver for your daily bike rides or the long weekend trips. I can't wait to use one on my next trip to Cuyuna and Bentonville. I am always rummaging in the bottom of my bag for my favorite gloves or socks. Thanks Thule for helping organize my next ride."
-Jeremi Smith
Vittoria Mazza Tire
"Like most of the bike industry, I've been a Maxxis fanboy for years. But the new lineup of tires from Vittoria have made me a convert. I chose the Mazza because I love a big, meaty tire with loads of traction. But if casual trail riding or superlight XC is your thing, Vittoria has fantastic tire options for you too. The tread patterns are on point, the rubber and casing are durable, and they often come in at a lighter weight than any competitor's comparable tire."
-Sam Berglund
Osprey Savu 2 Lumbar Pack
"This simple pack is all I need to keep my essentials in reach on short rips at the local trail. Designed with an angled pocket to easily access a single bottle and two side pockets for storing my essential gear like my keys, phone, spare tube, CO2, multi-tool and a snack. In the summer I find this pack useful for mountain biking and hiking. In the winter I use the pack to carry a small insulated thermos while fat biking and nordic skiing."
-Ryan Horkey
Wahoo Kickr V6
"I've been using trainers for decades, and the new Kickr is the easiest training tool I've ever used. It's easy for me to get on my bike and spin for however long I need, and being able to control the resistance means I can track my progress very easily. I've also been using Wahoo's new SYSTM to create a training plan. It's easily customizable and catered to my training needs."
-Mike Johnson
Urban Arrow Family Cargo Bike
"I wasn't sure if this was going to be a hit with my Border Collie as a means of transportation commuting to work. It turns out it is Dooley’s preferred mode of transportation: often disagreeing with me when I want to take the car. Once he’s harnessed in, he loves the open air views and world of new scents. The bike handles amazingly and is a great deal of fun to ride. This Dooley commuter, grocery getter, and all around practical transportation bike is my favorite of 2022."
-Jeff Hagen
*available for special order*